Method of and apparatus for fluid-fuel burning



Au 20, 1929. J. P. B. FISKE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FLUID FUEL BURNING Filed y 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet I ul/l rl lla Aug. 20, I929. J. P. B. FISKE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FLUID FUEL BURNING Filed y 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet r J a F Patented Aug. 20, 1929.

UNITED STATES JONATHAN I. B. FISKE, OF NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FLUID-FUEL BURNING.

Application. filed July 26. 1928. Serial No. 295,551.

My present invention relates to the art of fuel oil burning, and is directed to a novel method of forming a combustible mixture and of oil burning, and also to various novel forms of apparatus for use in carrying out my inventions.

Heretofore in the art of fluid fuel burning, particularly in apparatus for use in domestic heating, all prior devices, so far as I am aware, have been unsatisfactory in some conditions of commercial use, and the object of my invention is to improve and perfect oil heating devices.

In my development of the art of fluid fuel combustion, I have discovered that it is important to provide means which will insure the admixture of an air supply-either under forced or natural draftwith appreciable time and space elements, in a mixing chamber, and preferably in predetermined lines of direction, particularly where the fluid fuel is supplied at a predetermined level or under pressure, and the combustible mixture is formed therefrom. I find also that it is important to provide means which will insure the complete combustion of the mixture at a point above or outside of the oil and air mixing chamber. To this end air is supplied at a plurality of points or locations at the upper portions of the apparatus, either at the outer periphery, or at the upper part of a central air delivery, or both. This also tends to spread the resultant flame, as well as tending to lift the flame above or outside of the mixing chamber, or the like. Thus, in a construction where the flame is in an annular or circular form-the most eflicient thus far devised for domestic fuel oil burning-I provide means which will insure the final air supply, and hence complete the combustible mixture, at or above the uppermost portion of the mixing chamber, preferably supplying a plurality of air delivery openings in such uppermost portion or portions. This feature of fuel and air delivery is of great importance, and is intended to not only complete the combustible mixture, but also to spread the flame,

complete combustion at the edges, and to impart an upward impulse to the combined mixture, effecting perfect combustion outside the mixing chamber, thereby preserving the latter and preventing sooting, carbonizing, or the like. This feature is a distinct novelty and great advantage in this art, and I wish to claim the same both in the process and article of manufacture, broadly herein.

which may be,

I have also discovered that a substantial time and space and the proportional supply or mixture of air to the oil, facilitate the ac tion desired within the mixing chamber, and probably is, av hydroxylatlon of the oil-gas and air, and that, then, a subsequent or further supply of air, particularly in predetermined directions and at strategic positions effects a final combustible mixture, such as above explained, and is important for complete combustion and burning, and that such burning will be maintained outside the mixing chamber, thus preserving the apparatus.

A further advantage in my present invention is that the mixing chamber itself can be made with a plurality of fuel and air supply open1ngsproperly proportioned and in horizontal, vertical, or intermediate directions, if desired-and with the burning and flame maintained outside the mixing chamber, said chamber itself is always kept in efficient condition and sooting and carbonizing is prevented. Such air supply at the periphery and at the top of the mixing chamber enables the construction of the mixing chamber itself to be kept relatively cool while simultaneously heating and warming the air for the final delivery to the flame. Thus, the mixing chamber is preserved from burning out, and the air supply is automatically heated, giving a still further and greater efliciency in mixing and combustion at the final delivery of heated air at the top of the mixin chamber. My invention is particularly e ficient where a peripheral air supply is utilized in connection with a central air delivery, especially when heated air is employed. Such combination of both central and peripheral air supplies, whether heated or not, whether natural or forced draft, is, I am advised, a distinct novelty in this art, and I therefore wish to claim the same herein, both as my method, and in connection with various apparatus for carrying out such method.

One of the important advantages of a peripheral and predirected air supply in combination with a central delivery operating to complete the combustion of the mixture, is that the outer air supply to the flame completes the combustion and prevents the carbonizing of any adjacent surfaces. Furthermore, in utilizing such upwardly directed and peripherally arranged air supply in a non-inward direction, I prefer to have the same suitably proportioned for a previously hydroxylated mixture, when hydroxylation occurs in the mixing chamber, and hence in suitable proportion to the supply of fluid fuel and the previous air supply as such proportion is important in effecting efliciency and complete combustion.

A further feature in my present invention consists in the adj ustability with which I can utilize varying proportions of air delivery, angular directions, and capacities, and preferably in connection with an internal or central delivery of air.

In carrying out my invention I prefer to utilize a round or oval apparatus wherein means is provided for a central air delivery at a plurality of points, and a peripheral air supply, with an oil supply, and with the air supplying device therefor readily interchangeable for different capacities and dimensions, both diametrically and in height, and also for different directions of air supply. This arrangement provides a regulated quantity of air supply in addition to the substantial space and distanceboth necessary for proper hydroxylation where such action '0ccurs-in conjunction with my arrangement of a peripheral air supply in an upward and non-inward direction to aid in completing the combustion, particularly around the periphery, and to aid in the upward flow of the combustible mixture so as to insure the complete burning entirely above or outside the mixing chamber or oil-containing receptacle. This insures freedom from carbon depositswithin the apparatus, while increasing the complete combustion and the efficiency of heat delivered to the heat receiving surfaces of the heater, furnace, boiler, or other device. A very important feature of my peripheral air supply, which is a distinct novelty from the prior art, is the avoidance of inward air delivery, such inward delivery acting to concentrate the flame and force it up through the center of the boiler, whereas my non-inward air delivery allows the flame to spread in the form of a sunflower and to impinge against the heating surfaces of the boiler, thereby causing a maximum heat transfer to the adjacent boiler surfaces.

It will be appreciated that I'can utilize my present method and apparatus, either with forced or natural draft, and with a large range and formof oil supply, with an adjustment of a substantial portion of the air delivered to the oil by interchangeability of the central air supplying device and with means insuring predetermined air directions, resulting in a high degree of efficient and satisfactory combustion and heat delivery.

Further advantageous features, details of construction, and novel combinations will be hereinafter more fully pointed out and claimed.

Referring to the drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of my resent improvement in the art of fluid uel combustion, showing modifications of apparatus for carrying out the same,

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view, partly in cross section, illustrating a preferred embodiment of apparatus showing an attachment for producing forced draft.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan View illustrating the means for delivering an upward and peripheral air supply.

Figs. 3, 4:, and 5 illustrate interchangeable devices for the central air delivery, and for varying the diameter and height of the mixing chamber.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional View illustrating natural draft and showing my method and apparatus in a simple form.

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional fragmentary view showing a forced draft arrangement with a porous lining or wick for oil receiving and diffusion to aid in initiating the mixing.

Fig. 8 illustrates my invention utilizing a spray.

Fig. 9 being a plan view on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 10 is a view illustrating a combined spray and oil pool arrangement. I

Fig. 11 is a View on the line 11-11 of Fig. 10, and

Fig. 12 illustrates further modifications with removable central mixing chamber.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates in conventional form a heater 1, usually either rectangular or circular, having a base or support 2 with an ash door 3. This is typical of a usual form of household heater for hot air, water, or steam, or for a stove or heater in a room, garage, or the like. Fitted within the heater 1, and preferably partly within the base 2, is my novel form of mixing chamber 5, also preferably oval or round, having outer Walls 6, with a peripheral flange 7 around the uppermost edge, which flange is perforated with a series of holes 8-8 for air delivery around the periphery to the resulting flame 10. In Figs. 1 and 7 the central portion of the mixing chamber extends upwardly as a cone or the like 12, thus providing an annular channel or receptacle 14 to receive an oil supply 15, which oil supply is fed in by a pipe 16 from a suitable tank 18, adapted to maintain the oil supply substantially on the line 20 from said tank 18 through a valve 21 to the annular channel 14 in the mixing chamber 5. The tank 18 may be equipped with the usual float valve or other device to regulate such level 20, and the tank 18 may receive its supply from a large supply tank outside the buildingthrough the pipe or conduit 22.

The central core 12 may be formed integral with the mixing chamber 5, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, or may be formed to receive an interchangeable set of central air delivery and distributing devices or stacks 25, 26, and 27 of varying diameters, heights, and shapes and with varying sets of air delivery holes. 28 and 126 therethrough, which latter mav be dlfferently proportioned and arranged 1n varyin" directions, parallel, radiall longitudv na lly, upwardly, or downward y, or othe rwise, as illustrated in the drawings.

As shown in Fig. 6, the central core 12 is continued as an inte ral portion or stack 36 having a plurality 0% air delivery recesses 37 through its intermediate port on, together with specially directed air dehvery recesses at 38 and 39 and it will be appreciated that the flow of airin this form shown as natural draft through the opening 40, with the feed door 3 removed or swung open or from the base 2will follow the directions of the arrows, flowing u wardly through the central core 12 and portion 36 out of the openings 37, 38 and 39, as well as upwardly around the annular space provided for this air supply, as indicated at 44 in the base 2 and through the peripheral openings 8, the flange 7 in this form being positioned to rest on a suitable support 45, which also closes the draft be tween the base 2 and the interior of the heater 1 to insure the airdelivery through the appropriate openings, as above noted. An important feature of this form is that the substantial space and distance, as well as suitable air supply, is provided to aid the hydroxylation of the oil and air. As the mixture rises, a final air supply through the upwardly directed recesses 39 and 8 completes the combustion, the air from recesses 39 being forced through the mixture outwardly as it escapes from the chamber and the air from recesses 8 completing the combustion at the tips or periphery of the flame.

As shown in Fig. 1, the central air supply 25 is separable from the cone 12, which latter aids in forming the annular oil channel of the mixing chamber 5. The conical section 12 is truncated at a suitable point above the oil supply, viz: 50, and the removable sections 25, 26, and 27 are provided with a cooperating shoulder 51 and depending central reduced sections 52 which will fit within the portion 50 and be held therein by the weight of the section. As shown in Fig. 1, the re movable section 25 is substantially identical in effecting air directional action of the same with the integral portion 36 of the core 12 in Fig. 6, but with the added advantage, in the showing in Fig. 1, of the interchangeability and consequent adjustability and removability with a set or series of similarly readily removable and replaceable sections, thus giving adjustability in the diameter, height, and air supply for the central air delivery feature.

In Fig. 1, also, I have illustrated a forced draft construction wherein the flanges 7 of the mixing chamber 5 rest upon an annular drum or member 60 having a base 61 integral therewith arranged for suitable height within the heater 1 by a brick stack or ile 62, and with 'an inlet pipe 63 to receive orced draft from an air pump 65, which latter may rest upon an desired support 66 immediatel out side of t 1e base 2, the air pipe 63 being tightly fitted through a corresponding recess 64 in the door 30f the base 2. In this form, air under any pressure desired will flow in the direction of the arrows and be delivered both centrally and downwardly into the oil supply and subsequent mixture, as well as outwardly through the mixture as it emerges from the chamber, and upwardly around the periphery through the holes 8 and thus complete the combustible mixture into the flame 10 which will burn above and outside the mixing chamber 5.

In some forms of heaters, namely steam and hot water boilers, it is desirable to force the hot gases of combustion into rubbing contact with the heat absorbing surfaces of the heater in order that the latter may absorb as large a portion of the heat of said gases as possible, thereby minimizing the heat lost by the spent gases passing up the stack or chimney. In such cases a flat spreading flame is very desirable and this I obtain to a very high degree in my present invention, particularly in those forms illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive. In these forms the air is forcedoutwardly from the top row of recesses 39,126, or 127 in the central air delivery stacks 25, 26, 27, or 36, and mingles with the mixture as it arises from the chamber, driving the same outwardly in a flat flame directly into the path of the air arising vertically from the recesses 8 around the periphery.

As shown in Fig. 7, I have illustrated a series of holes 70 through the walls 6 of the mixing chamber 5 in cooperation with the central air delivery, and in this form, also, I may have a series or set of air holes 71 through the top of the central portion 36 to aid in completing the combustion from the mixture which has risen from the oil pool 15. In this form I have illustrated same in connection with the forced draft installation, and also I have shown the oil level 15 flowing into or contained by a special lining fitted in the bottom of the annular grooved depression 14 in the mixing chamber 5. This lining may be of fire brick or other absorbent material, and may act in the nature of a wick, which I find will feed up the oil from the level 15 and stimulate and expedite the vaporizing of the oil to insure mixing or hydroxylation. This is an advantageous feature, particularly for certain styles and sizes of heaters into which my burning apparatus may be supplied to carry out the novel method herein explained.

The importance of having interchangeable sections 25, 26, and 27 will be appreciated when it is realized that such sections not only give an adjustment of air delivered, but also of the net size and area-of the mixing chamber between the central stack and the 'outer walls 6. Furthermore, this central air delivery interchangeability enable me to utilize, automatically, a varying proportion of air supply and, to a corresponding extent, automatically effects the net size of the mixing chamber, as Well, also, as the height,'thereby affecting the time flow element of the mixture as it rises from the oil 15 up to the final point of combustion. A further important feature is that such adj ustabili'ty enables me to make a standard sized apparatus 5, and the same will fit into and operate satisfactorily and efficiently in a considerable range of different sized heaters by simply varying the central air supply portion by the mere interchangeability of a member 25, 26, or 27, thus quickly and, in efiect, automatically adjusting and regulating the apparatus to the heater. These advantageous features are most important in practice, and I wish to claim the same herein broadly.

Referring to the form shown in Fig. 8, I have therein illustrated a similar construction utilizing a spray wherein the oil supply pipe 16 is provided with a nozzle 100 from which a spray is delivered into a mixing chamber 101 from an oil reservoir or tank 102 at any suitable height or pressureor from a pump or powder device, if desired-which oil is supplied into the mixing chamber 101, the same having peripheral walls 103 provided with a plurality of air openings 10 1 on the sides, and 105 and 106 at the top supplying currents of air, as indicated by the arrows, from an annular air recess 107 formed between the walls 103 of the mixing cham her and an outer wall 108. As shown. in Fig. 8, ai under ressure is supplied through the conduit 63 rom the pump 65, thence upwardly through the channel 107 and inwardly through the openings 104 into the mixing chamber, and with an upward impetus to the air current at points 105 and 106. This arrangement is thought to afford a hydroxylation of gasified oil and air in the mixing chamber 101, with a final combustible mixture at the top of the mixing chamber where the air delivery through the openings 105 and 106 gives an upwa: d impetus, completing the combustible mixture and lifting and maintaining the flame 110 up and outside the apparatus. I

In Fig. 10 I have illustrated a similar arrangement wherein the oil spray will be at such a reduced pressure that an oil pool 112 is formed in the bottom of the receptacle forming the mixing chamber 101. In this form either forced or natural draft can be supplied through the air channel 107, and preferably the openings 104 are formed with a radial or tangential direction, as clearly shown in Fig. 11. I find that, in burning some oils, and in furnaces of various sizes, it may be desirable to supply both a spray and an oil pool, and that, in my installations and constructions, a tangential or rotary action-to the air currents may be beneficial in stimulating the hydroxylation or mixture of the gasificd oil and air in the mixing chamber 101.

As shown in Fig. 12, I provide a removable and interchangeable section 120 carrying the openings 104 which may be replaceable with others of varying sizes or of difi'erent angular directions. In this form the central section 120 forms the inner surface of the air chamber 107, and may rest upon a shoulder 121 formed as a section of the base 122 of the mixing chamber, the latter being supported by webs 123, or in any other manner desired, on the outer walls 108, and forming an inner oil receptacle 125 which mziy receive the spray or oil pool, as desired.

11 the operation of the apparatus according to my invention, in carrying out my present novel process, the oil is supplied to an appropriate mixing chamber of any sort, size, or shape, as shown, and either in a small pool, spray, or spray and pool, whereupon the air supplied thereto, together with the resultant heat of the entire burner, radiant and otherwise, will tend to gasify the oil, and the flow of air, either under forced draft or natural pressure, into the oil containin receptacle will act to unite the oil thus gasi ed with the air, probably into an hydroxylated mixture, which process goes on within the mixing chamber, and the continual flow of air thereinto, and the rising of the heated mixture will carry the same upward and out the top of the apparatus. It is most desirable to insure that the actual combustion will take place outside the apparatus and above the same and, furthermore, that fire within the mixing chamber will be prevented. I have, therefore, discovered that the supply of a final amount of air, as through the upper recesses 39, 70, 71, 106, 126, and 127, will effect this final mixture for combustion and, furthermore, that the peripheral air supply through the openings 8 in Figs. 1, 2, 6 and 7, and 105 in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 12, will supply the needed amount of air and oxygen to insure the complete combustion and consequently full burning of the outer edge or tip portions of the flame. These upwardly opening recesses, therefore, thus supply air at the periphery of the resultant flame, this final supply of air being heated through its line of travel through the apparatus, and giving a most advantageous and eflicient mixing and combustion resulting in perfect burning.

In all the forms of my invention it will be appreciated that I provide devices which will facilitate the mixture or hydroxylation of the oil and air, whether the oil is supplied as a spray or a pool, or as both, and that I rovide substantial time and space elements or this process in a mixing chamber of appreciable capacity, such process being with a proper supply of air at a plurality of omts, and proportional if desired, and that, fore complete combustion, I supply a final peripheral air delivery to complete the combustion, and preferably with an upward and noninwardly directed current or 1m etus to aid in lifting and maintaining the ame or resulting combustion of the mixture above, beyond, or outside of the mixing apparatus. Furthermore, I so arrange my air supply as to aid in preserving the apparatus cool while effecting a heat exchange therefrom adjacent to the flame, which in turn, will heat the air supplied at the final points of delivery to simulate more rapid and efiicient combustion immediately at the point of combustion. Thus, heated air delivered at the top of the apparatus gives a desirable and efficient final admixture to complete combustion. Furthermore, the directional air cur rent and size and capacity of the-mixing chamber, proportioned with the amount of fuel delivery and the air supply, are of suitable proportions, capacity, and speed or current to insure the maintenance of the resulting flame outside of the apparatus, thereby still further preserving the apparatus from soot, carbonizing, and deterioration, or otherwise destroying the efiiciency of the device.

Having thus described my invention, what I l I claim as new is:

1. That improvement in the art of oil burning which consists in providing an air supply and an oil supply, gasifying said oil, mixing said air and said oil-gas within a mixing chamber without fire, causing said mixture to burn outside of said mixing chamber and adding a final air supply to the outer tip portions of the burnin mixture to intermingle with and comp etc the combustion of the same, said final air supply bein delivered in an upward and non-inwarc? direction around the periphery of said mixing chamber.

2. That improvement in the art of oil burning which consists in providing an air supply and an oil supply, gasifying said oil, mixing said oil-gas and said air within a mixing chamber without fire, adding a final air supply outside of said mixing chamber to complete combustion of said mixture, causing said mixture to burn outside of said mixing chamber, the said final air supply including an upwardly and non-inwardly directed air supply around the periphery of said mixing chamber to intermingle with the outer edge portions of the burning mixture and to complete combustion of same.

3. That improvement in the art of oil burning which consists in providing a mixing chamber, feeding oil thereto, feeding air thereto, said air bein delivered within the lower 1portion of said chamber, gasixing said oi mixing said oil-gas and air 'wi out fire causing sald mixture to burn outside of said mixing chamber, and providing a final in a non-inward direction around the periphery of said mixing chamber, intermingling same with the outer tip portions of the burning mixture to complete the combustion of same.

4. The improved process of oil burning which consists in providing a mixing chamber, feeding oil thereto, feedin air thereto, gassifying said oil, mixing said air and oilgas in proper proportions within the mixin chamber to permit hydroxylation of such mixture, causing said mixture to burn outside the mixing chamber, and directing a final air supply upwardly and non-inwardly around the periphery of said mixing chamber, intermingling said final air supply with the outer tip portions of said burning mixture to complete combustion of same.

5. The improved process of oil burning which consists in providing a mixing chamber, feeding oil thereto, feeding air thereto, gasifying said oil, mixing said air and oil-gas in proper proportions within the mixin chamber to permit hydroxylation of suc mixture, causing said mixture to burn outside said mixing chamber, directing final air supplies both at the central portion of said mixture and around the periphery of the said mixing chamber in an upwardly and non-inwardly direction, said final air supplies intermingling with the burning mixture to com plete combustion of same.

6. The improved process of oil burning which consists in providing a mixing chamber, feeding oil thereto, feeding air thereto, gasifying said oil, said air being injected into said mixing chamber in a plurality of streams, mixing said air and said oil-gas without fire, causing said mixture to burn outside said mixing chamber, and adding a further air suppl around the periphery of said mixing chamber in an upward and noninward direction to intermingle with the burning mixture as it emerges from said mixing chamber and to complete the combustion of said burning mixture.

7. The improved process in the art of oil burning which consists in providing a mixing chamber, feeding oil thereto, feedin air thereto, gasifying said oil, mixing sai air and oil-gas in proportions to effect mixing without fire, causing said mixture to burn outside of said mixing chamber and directing a final air supply around the periphery of said mixing chamber in an upward and noninward direction to intermingle with the outer tip portions of the burnin mixture and to complete combustion of sai tip portions.

8. The improved process of oil burning which consists in providing a mixing chamair supply delivered ber, feeding oil thereto, feeding air thereto, gasifying said oil, said air being introduced outwardly from a central vertically extending stack in proper roportions to mix with said'oil-gas Without fire within said chamber, thereby forcing said mixture upward and out of said chamber, causing said mixture to burn outside of said chamber, delivering a final air supply in an upward and non-inward direction around the periphery of the said mixing chamber, intermingling said final air supply with the outer tip portions of the burning mixture to complete its combustion.

9. The improved process of oil burning which consists in providing a mixing chamber, feeding oil thereto, gasifying said oil, introducing outwardly from a vertically extended stack a proper supply of air to mix with said oil-gas without fire within said chamber, thereby forcing said mixture upward and out of said chamber, delivering an air supply from said upwardly extending stack outwardly to said mixture as it emerges from said chamber, causing said mixture to burn outside of said chamber, and adding a final air supply non-inwardly around the periphery of said mixing chamber to intermingle with the outer tip portions of said burning mixture and thereby completing its combustion.

10. Apparatus of the kind described, comprising a mixing chamber, means to supply oil thereto, means to supply air to gasifysaid oil and to mix with the resulting oil-gas without fire within said chamber, whereby said mixture is forced up and out of said mixing chamber, and means to provide a final air delivery to said mixture as it emerges from the mixing chamber, said final air delivery being directed in a non-inward direction around the periphery of said mixing chamber and into the outer tip portions of the mixture.

11. Apparatus of the kind described, comprising a mixing chamber, a central air delivery stack in said chamber, means to supply oil to said chamber, means to supply a plurality of air streams from-said central stack into said mixing chamber in a horizontal and downward direction, whereby oil-gas is formed in said chamber, said combined means being so proportioned as to efiect a mixture without fire within the mixing chamber, and to force same upwardly and out of said chamber, and means to deliver a further air supply in an outward direction from said stack and in a non-inward direction around the periphery of said chamber, to said mixture as it emerges from said chamber.

12. Apparatus of the kind described comprising a mixing chamber, means to supply oil thereto, said mixing chamber being constructed and arranged with an encircling air conduit and a central vertically extending hollow stack having a plurality of openings therethrough into said mixing chamber, means to supply air outwardly from the openings in said air stack to gasify said oil and to mix with the resulting oil-gas in said chamber, and means to deliver a final air supply non-inwardly fromthe outer air conduit surrounding the mixing apparatus into the periphery of the resultant flame.

l3. 'lhat improvement in the art of oil burning which consists in intermingling air and oil-gas within a mixing chamber without fire and subsequently producing fire and flame at the mouth of, or outside of, the mixing chamber; by providing a mixing chamber, an oil supply and an air supply, gasifying said oil, intermingling the oil-gas and air in the mixing chamber without fire and adding a final air supply delivered upwardly and non-inwardly around the periphery of the mixing chamber to intermingle with and complete the combustion of the mixture and of the outer tip portions of the resultant flame.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

JONATHAN P. B. FISKE. 

